Dangerously Defective Airbags: ARC and Takata Airbag Malfunctions

5 min read time

Reviewed by Andrew Parker Felix, Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on January 9, 2025.

Airbags are designed to save lives during a car accident, but defective airbags can turn a life-saving feature into a deadly hazard. Over the years, the automotive industry has been shaken by recalls and lawsuits involving ARC and Takata airbags, both of which have been linked to severe injuries and fatalities due to malfunctions.

If you suspect a defective airbag caused you or a loved one injury, don’t wait to act. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What Went Wrong With ARC Airbags?

ARC Automotive Inc. is a major manufacturer of airbag inflators. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into ARC inflators after reports of explosions that caused metal shards to be propelled into the vehicle’s cabin. These incidents have led to multiple injuries and fatalities.

The Root Cause

ARC inflators use a dual-stage process to deploy airbags. The issue arises when the inflators are manufactured with defective welds or contain blockages, preventing proper deployment. When the inflator malfunctions, it can explode under pressure, sending metal shrapnel flying—a catastrophic outcome for vehicle occupants.

Legal Actions

Several lawsuits have been filed against ARC Automotive and vehicle manufacturers that installed these defective airbags. Victims claim the companies failed to adequately test and warn consumers about the lethal risks, leading to devastating injuries.

The Takata Airbag Scandal: A Global Catastrophe

Takata airbags represent one of the largest recalls in automotive history. The problem lies with the ammonium nitrate propellant used in Takata inflators, which can degrade over time when exposed to heat and humidity. This degradation can cause the inflators to rupture, sending metal fragments into the cabin.

The Scale of the Recall

Since the first recall in 2008, over 67 million Takata airbags have been recalled in the United States alone. Globally, the number exceeds 100 million. Despite the recalls, many vehicles with defective airbags remain on the road, posing a continued risk to drivers and passengers.

Legal Fallout

Victims have received compensation through a trust fund established during the bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, automakers have faced lawsuits for continuing to use Takata airbags despite knowing about the risks.

What Injuries Can Defective Airbags Cause?

Airbags are safety features in vehicles created with the purpose of aiding in our protection during an accident. However, when airbags with defects are installed into vehicles, they can not only fail to protect us during an accident but cause even more harm to the driver or passengers.

The most common injuries drivers and their passengers have experienced due to a defective airbag include, but are not limited to, the following:

Black eyes
Brain injury or concussion
Broken bones
Burns
Compound fractures
Death
Facial or cranial fractures
Hearing loss
Neck Injury
Permanent scarring
Rib, sternum and/or clavicle fractures
Serious cuts or avulsions
Spinal fractures
Vision damage
Vocal damage

What Damages Can I Recover From a Defective Airbag Accident?

If you’ve been involved in an accident where a defective airbag caused injuries or worsened your condition, you may be entitled to recover damages. These damages can typically be categorized into economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages.

Economic Damages

These compensate for financial losses directly tied to the accident and injury, including:

Medical Expenses
- Emergency room visits
- Surgery
- Ongoing treatment or therapy (physical or psychological)
- Prescription medications
- Future medical costs for long-term care
Lost Wages
- Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery
- Loss of earning capacity if the injuries result in a permanent disability
Property Damage
- Repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident

Non-Economic Damages

These address the emotional and physical toll of the accident:

Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain caused by the defective airbag injury
Emotional Distress
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
- Compensation for scars, burns, or other permanent injuries resulting from the airbag malfunction

Punitive Damages

In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the airbag manufacturer or other responsible parties if their conduct was especially reckless or egregious (e.g., knowingly distributing defective airbags).

Specific Examples of Recoverable Damages

Injuries from airbag deployment (burns, broken bones, or head injuries)
Worsened injuries from failure to deploy
Harm caused by faulty inflators (shrapnel or explosions due to defective manufacturing like the Takata airbag recall cases)

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Determining liability can be complicated—and sometimes more than one party is at fault. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you to determine which parties are liable for your injuries. In fact, Morgan & Morgan partner, Andrew Parker Felix, has resolved more Takata airbag matters than any other lawyer in the country.

Airbag Manufacturer: If the defect was due to a design or manufacturing flaw.
Vehicle Manufacturer: If the defect originated in the vehicle’s overall safety system.
Dealership or Repair Shop: If improper installation or repairs contributed to the malfunction.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Morgan & Morgan, we have the resources and experience to take on large corporations and fight for justice on your behalf.

With offices in every state across the country, we can assist clients no matter where they are. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you. That’s right, the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Defective airbags are a serious safety concern that cannot be ignored. If you drive one of the vehicles listed above or have received a recall notice, take immediate action to get your airbag replaced. For those affected by airbag malfunctions, our team at Morgan & Morgan is here to provide the legal support you need.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Together, we can hold negligent manufacturers accountable and make our roads safer for everyone.

List of Recalled Vehicles With Defective Airbags

Below is a list of some vehicles recalled due to ARC and Takata airbag defects. This list is not exhaustive; always check the NHTSA’s website for the most up-to-date information on recalls.